In September of last year Big Sean hit us with a double whammy: signing to management team Roc Nation and dropping a surprise four track EP that featured the hit single, "IDFWU", with guest E-40 which skyrocketed up the charts and became platinum in no time. He used this EP to prepare us for his new era, one where he was no longer overshadowed by all of his features. Let's be real...his first big single, "My Last" was carried by Breezy. Then Kanye West opened the door for him and put him on two of the biggest tracks of 2012, "Mercy" and "Clique", and I don't remember him on either one. Lest we forget the infamous "Control" in which Kendrick Lamar not only overshadowed him but ultimately his entire album was forgotten after that controversial feature. Fast forward to 2015 and Big Sean is ready to make waves with his third studio release, "Dark Sky Paradise" which has special guests Drake, Kanye West, E-40, Chris Brown, Jhene Aiko, Lil Wayne, John Legend, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and QUEEN Ariana Grande. Extremely feature heavy for someone who is typically overpowered but let's see if he held his own. Third time's a charm, right?
In the grand scheme of the album it was a good effort. For the most part, the album did what it needed to do: show his growth as an artist. In "Blessings" Big Sean held his own against Drake, the duo make a great pairing. I would actually like to hear more from them. He does, however, get absolutely demolished by Kanye West on "All Your Fault", which is understandable. The track is amazing and veteran West is, well, Kanye West.
"IDFWU" is a perfect radio track which is why it's done so well. The song is slightly ridiculous but it goes in the club and in the car so none of that even matters. Another radio friendly track is "Play No Games", which is accompanied by the vocals of Chris Brown, who doesn't steal the shine this time around. It perfectly rounded out the first half of the album that only has a few bumps and bruises, lyrically, but is otherwise a great listen.
The second half of the project has more downs than ups. I wanted her to be great but, of course, the hooks in which he enlisted the aid of Jhene "Sleep Machine" Aiko, were as interesting as watching wet paint dry. He needs to return her to the rainbow and marijuana laden field from whence he plucked her. Then there's "Deep", which is anything but, and Lil Wayne couldn't even drag this song out of the abyss of mediocrity where it dwells. I'm not sure why he would put all three of these Debbie Downer ass tracks back to back unless he doesn't want people to wake up from their Jhene induced comas. The album's saving grace, at this point, is "One Man Can Change The World", a dedication to his grandmother, with aid from both Kanye West and John Legend. Honestly, the best track on the album. The outro, cleverly named "Outro", is Big Sean in his comfort zone. I need more of that.
As far as the deluxe tracks are concerned, "Deserve It" and "Platinum and Wood" were worthy of their bonus placements. All three could've easily replaced those 3 sullen and depressing ass tracks and he could've scrapped them from his album altogether. I was, of course, here for "Research". But I'm always here for Queen Ari. It was a different sound for her, staying in her lower register, and she paired well with him, per usual. I truly hope the track is just general and not about Naya Rivera, no matter when it was written, because that would be some petty shit. To have your current girl help you diss your ex-girl, who is married, unbathed, and unbothered is childish. But that's neither here nor there...
This is definitely Big Sean's best release to date. Despite a few hiccups, I'd definitely keep this in my musical rotation. Listen to the stream below:
"Dark Sky Paradise" is available online and in stores NOW!
Natasha Marie
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